I will get support for Iraq war, Blair vows
Mr Blair refused to rule out the use of non-conventional weapons, such as nuclear bombs or missiles, if Saddam used chemical or nerve agents against a coalition force.
Mr Blair said the Iraqi regime itself was "weakening" and "rattled", and that its days of playing "hide and seek" with United Nations inspectors were over.
He repeated his belief that there was "no way out" for Saddam other than disarming himself of weapons of mass destruction.
And he underlined the Government's message it was inevitable that al-Qaida-inspired terrorists would try to strike at the UK.
Under questioning by some of the most senior MPs in the House of Commons, Mr Blair repeated his determination to use diplomatic pressure through the UN backed by the credible threat of military force.
Asked how the allies might react if Saddam appeared set to use his own weapons of mass destruction when faced with a military strike, he replied: "We would deal with it in any way that we thought necessary. But I don't think it is wise for me to get into speculating as to exactly what we are doing about it."
Mr Blair predicted support would swing behind any action if it was taken. "I understand what the difficulties of public opinion are and it's my job to explain to people why it's necessary.
"We haven't reached the circumstances where I say to the British people we are in conflict with Iraq.
"When and if that time came, people would find the reasons acceptable and satisfactory because there is no other route available to us."
Mr Blair insisted the inspection regime now under way was beginning to take its toll on Baghdad, although Saddam boasted yesterday that he is not losing any sleep over the war machine gearing up around him.
"I fall asleep as soon as I put my head on the pillow," Saddam told the official Iraqi News Agency.
Meanwhile, US President George Bush expressed his frustration with allies reluctant to wage war on Iraq, saying Saddam has been given "ample time" to disarm.
"This business about more time, how much time do we need to see clearly that he is not disarming?" Mr Bush said.
He was responding to suggestions from countries including France and Germany that they would try to stop the UN Security Council passing a war resolution against Iraq.
They have said the UN weapons inspectors need more time possibly months more to finish their work.
The president said he will lead a "coalition of the willing" to disarm Iraq, if that becomes necessary.
"Time is running out," Mr Bush said.
The US Army yesterday announced it is sending a further group of 37,000 soldiers to the Persian Gulf region.
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